Protect Yourself: Hindu Americans Targeted Again

A group of scammers impersonating Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials is targeting Hindu and South Asian Americans. HAF needs YOU to help us understand the extent of the scam.

Many Hindu and South Asian Americans have received phone calls from individuals claiming to be from DHS or law enforcement. The callers generally state that the victim owes money to the federal government. The victim is demanded to pay a settlement to avoid further legal and financial penalties. In some cases, the victims are repeatedly harassed and threatened with imprisonment.

If you (or a family member) are contacted by a scammer claiming to be from the DHS (or have already been contacted by one), you should:

NOT provide the caller with any personal or financial information or make arrangements for payment.

Collect the number you were called from, as well as the scammer's name, the agency he/she claims to represent, and the amount and method of payment demanded.

Contact your local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the incident. You can complain to the FTC here.